This is a very personal post about love, life, fear, and loss. We live every day at risk of a loss, but it does no good to think about that. We take precautions, or we should, then we should be thankful for each day.
It’s been a tough couple of weeks, especially for people I care for. An old friend passed away. My neighbor’s twenty-two year-old son died tragically on Easter. And the granddaughter of very close friends was just found to have a form of leukemia. These things happen somewhere every day, but usually they are distant. It’s always difficult to hear about anyone’s death or sickness, but when it gets close to you, it becomes personal and it shakes you.
My old friend’s death was a loss, but it was not sad. He lived a full and very productive life having lived a mostly healthy 94 years. He was successful, a war hero, a man who put himself in harm’s way for his country and lived through it. He loved life and lived with gusto, although he too had to suffer the loss of his son at a young age, and the death of his wife a few years ago. Nevertheless, his life was to be celebrated.
It’s different when a young man dies just at the peak of living and at the doorstep of a life full of accomplishments and memories. His family is stricken forever. We will never understand. I pray there is a purpose to it all.
Then a young girl is faced with a battle that even the strongest of warriors would never want to experience. To see her and talk to her, you would never think this would be part of God's plan. She is smart, she is engaging, she is pretty, and she deserves all life can bring to her. She is also strong and has a very supportive family. And with today’s technology and treatment, I am certain she can beat this--but it won’t be easy for her and her family.
Happiness fills the bulk of our lives when we realize what we have. We can’t be happy if we worry about things that will likely never happen. You can’t be fearful of an unknown event or prepare for sorrow because you can’t practice that--and you certainly shouldn’t expect bad things to happen. Instead, love those around you today, and live life to its fullest.
I reflect on these realities because, for me, it is a time of celebration, sorrow, and hope. Celebration of a life lived well. Sorrow for a life lost way too soon. And hope for a young girl in a very tough battle. Anything can happen at any time to any of us. This is why you must enjoy, love, and appreciate what you have this moment because life is ephemeral--nothing lasts forever. What you do and say today is very important to those you love and that love you in return. I often forget that. We all do.
We also can’t take away the shock and sorrow when someone close to us has to deal with a tragic or earth-shattering event--but we can give them support. Caring with true sincerity is one of the few things that can help someone face what is difficult to face.
As for me:
So you got a traffic ticket and lost your wallet all within 12 hours. Not the best day, but not a bad day--not really. Today and each day, I want my friends and family to know that I love them; and I will be there when they need me as I know they will be with me when I need them. This is something you can do also.
Thanks for reading!
It’s been a tough couple of weeks, especially for people I care for. An old friend passed away. My neighbor’s twenty-two year-old son died tragically on Easter. And the granddaughter of very close friends was just found to have a form of leukemia. These things happen somewhere every day, but usually they are distant. It’s always difficult to hear about anyone’s death or sickness, but when it gets close to you, it becomes personal and it shakes you.
My old friend’s death was a loss, but it was not sad. He lived a full and very productive life having lived a mostly healthy 94 years. He was successful, a war hero, a man who put himself in harm’s way for his country and lived through it. He loved life and lived with gusto, although he too had to suffer the loss of his son at a young age, and the death of his wife a few years ago. Nevertheless, his life was to be celebrated.
It’s different when a young man dies just at the peak of living and at the doorstep of a life full of accomplishments and memories. His family is stricken forever. We will never understand. I pray there is a purpose to it all.
Then a young girl is faced with a battle that even the strongest of warriors would never want to experience. To see her and talk to her, you would never think this would be part of God's plan. She is smart, she is engaging, she is pretty, and she deserves all life can bring to her. She is also strong and has a very supportive family. And with today’s technology and treatment, I am certain she can beat this--but it won’t be easy for her and her family.
Happiness fills the bulk of our lives when we realize what we have. We can’t be happy if we worry about things that will likely never happen. You can’t be fearful of an unknown event or prepare for sorrow because you can’t practice that--and you certainly shouldn’t expect bad things to happen. Instead, love those around you today, and live life to its fullest.
I reflect on these realities because, for me, it is a time of celebration, sorrow, and hope. Celebration of a life lived well. Sorrow for a life lost way too soon. And hope for a young girl in a very tough battle. Anything can happen at any time to any of us. This is why you must enjoy, love, and appreciate what you have this moment because life is ephemeral--nothing lasts forever. What you do and say today is very important to those you love and that love you in return. I often forget that. We all do.
We also can’t take away the shock and sorrow when someone close to us has to deal with a tragic or earth-shattering event--but we can give them support. Caring with true sincerity is one of the few things that can help someone face what is difficult to face.
As for me:
- I accept with celebration the loss of an old friend.
- I accept with deep sorrow the loss of a young man whose life was cut way too short.
- I give all my prayers, hopes, support, and strong belief of recovery for my friends’ granddaughter! I am optimistic! It doesn't make much sense to be otherwise.
So you got a traffic ticket and lost your wallet all within 12 hours. Not the best day, but not a bad day--not really. Today and each day, I want my friends and family to know that I love them; and I will be there when they need me as I know they will be with me when I need them. This is something you can do also.
Thanks for reading!
